Surgical and Aesthetic Outcome in Complete Cleft Lip Repair. Comparative Study with and without nasoalveolar molding

Abstract

The outcome of cleft lip repair in wide-gaped cases is usually unsatisfactory, so different maneuvers have been performed to improve the outcome. This study aims to evaluate the effect of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) as regard the aesthetic and surgical outcome after complete cleft lip repair . This is a prospective randomized controlled study included 44 complete cleft lip patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery department at Mansoura University Children's Hospital from May 2018 to May 2020. Using the closed envelope method, they were randomly arranged into two groups: ؛ NAM group (22 patients) and the non-NAM group (22 patients). facial photos were taken at four separate times: the initial visits (T1), before cheiloplasty (T2), one month after the operation of cheiloplasty (T3), and six months after cheiloplasty (T4). measurements from the images included: (1) the width of the nostril on both sides; (2) nostril height on both sides; (3) columella angle on both sides; and (4) width of the alveolar gap. Standard 1:1 ratio photographs were taken. Linear measurements were made on the photos. There was a statistically significant narrowing of the alveolar gap in the molded group. The study revealed improved nasal symmetry regarding nasal height, width, and columella angle in molded groups. There was an improvement of results up to six months follow up with no relapse. The hypertrophic scar risks and notched lip were lower in the molded group.